The spread matters because it's the closest approximation we have to "expectations". It's not about beating the spread for sake of beating it, it's a measure of how he's doing relative to how he's "supposed" to do.

I'm not sure that's true. The above says that the top two will be placed at the most advantageous sites, not the top one. I think the committee would try to balance it for everyone, but let's hope we're dissecting this in great detail in about 5 weeks...

I disagree with the notion of "consistently". He had a very real dry spell just prior to a perfect storm in his last class. But, it's a reasonable point. He had enough success early on to have engendered elite kids that grew up fans or at least respecting his program, and he has capitalized.

There is "no reason" other than nobody does Harbaugh other than Harbaugh. He is singularly unique among all college football and basketball coaches. Could Beilein get more aggressive? Sure. But Harbaugh is on another planet.

"Other than McGary" pretty much answers your own question. You can achieve any level of college or pro success at Michigan. Also, there are new assistants, so perhaps the big man coaching is different/better.